Display panel with three-dimensional effect

ABSTRACT

At least one embodiment of the invention pertains to a display device having a first panel and a second panel, the first and second panels positioned substantially coplanar with each other and at a distance from each other to create a three dimensional effect of the images displayed on the first and second panels. According to one embodiment of the invention, the second panel includes an image that defines a frame through which an image on the first panel is visible or perceivable.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This non-provisional United States (U.S.) patent application claims thebenefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 200420103563.5 filed on Dec.28, 2004.

FIELD

Various embodiments of the invention pertain to display devices. Atleast one embodiment of the invention pertains to an animated displaydevice having multiple display panels arranged to create athree-dimensional illusion.

BACKGROUND

Display devices are often mounted in offices, shops, and/or homes toenhance the look and/or appearance of an area. Many times, these displaydevices are decorative items that hang from a wall and display an image,such as a nature scene, an ocean, a lake, a river, a waterfall, amountain, beaches, and/or the desert. These images are typically printedon a flat of a display panel and fail to adequately convey a threedimensional feel or depth to the viewer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One feature of the invention provides a display device having a firstpanel and a second panel, the first and second panels positionedsubstantially coplanar with each other and at a distance from each otherto create a three dimensional effect of the images displayed on thefirst and second panels. According to one embodiment of the invention,the second panel includes an image that defines a frame through which animage on the first panel is visible or perceivable.

One embodiment of the invention provides a display apparatus comprisinga housing structure, a light source mounted within the housingstructure, a first display panel coupled to the housing structure andmounted in front of the light source. The first display panel havingscenery thereon and permitting some light from the light source to passthrough. A second display panel is coupled to the housing structure andmounted in front of the first display panel substantially coplanar withthe first display panel. The second display panel has an image thereonthat permits viewing of the scenery on the first display panel. Tocreate a perception of depth and a three-dimensional effect, the firstdisplay panel and second display panel are positioned apart from eachother a distance of between one-eighth (⅛) of an inch and twenty (20)inches. The spacing between the first display panel and second displaypanel varies depending on the overall all size of the display apparatus.Additionally, a movable object may be mounted within the housingstructure that can create a moving effect within the scenery of thefirst display panel. The image on the second display panel may define aframe through which the scenery on the first display panel can beviewed. Additionally, the image on the second display panel may includeone or more angled features (e.g., perspective lines) that contribute tocreate a three-dimensional effect when overlaid on the scenery of thefirst display panel. The second display panel may be spacedapproximately half an inch to three-quarters of an inch from the firstdisplay panel. Moreover, features of the image on the second displaypanel may be proportionally larger than features of the scenery of thefirst display panel to contribute to the illusion of depth between theimages. According to one embodiment of the invention, the image on thesecond display panel includes two windows partially opened towards thescenery on the first display panel to create a three-dimensionalillusion. One embodiment of the invention may also include a sound unitmounted within the housing structure for storing pre-recorded sounds, anaudio speaker mounted within the housing structure and communicativelycoupled to the sound unit to receive sound signals from the sound unitand emit corresponding sounds, and a volume control coupled to the soundunit to permit selecting a desired volume level. According to variousother embodiments of the invention, the display apparatus need not beanimated to create the same depth effect.

Another embodiment of the invention provides a decorative displayapparatus comprising a housing structure, a first display panel coupledto the housing structure and having a first image thereon. A seconddisplay panel is coupled to the housing structure and mounted in frontof the first display panel, the second display panel mountedsubstantially coplanar with the first display panel. The first displaypanel and second display panel are positioned apart from each other at adistance of between one-eighth (⅛) of an inch and twenty (20) inches tocreate a perception of depth when viewing the first image on the firstdisplay panel. The second display panel has a second image thereon thatpermits viewing of the first image on the first display panel. Thesecond image includes one or more angled perspective lines to enhancethe perception of depth of the first image.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a display device having a first panel and secondpanel spaced apart to create a three-dimensional illusion according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the display device of FIG. 1 with the front panelremoved.

FIG. 3 illustrates various components of the display device according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates the cross-sectional view of the relative position ofvarious components of the display device according to one embodiment ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, oneskilled in the art would recognize that the invention might be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well known methods,procedures, and/or components have not been described in detail so asnot to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the invention.

In the following description, certain terminology is used to describecertain features of one or more embodiments of the invention. Forinstance, the terms “display” and “display device” refer to anyapparatus or device of any shape or size capable of being hung orsupported for displaying one or more images, sceneries, or graphics. Theterm “panel” (e.g., display panel) includes any substantially flatsurface on which one or more images, sceneries, lines, colors, letters,and/or other symbols may be printed or placed. The term “animated”(e.g., animated display) refers to any motion that may be created withina display for the purpose of creating an illusion or effect. The term“graphics” includes any image, lines, colors, letters, and/or othersymbols.

One feature of the invention provides a display device having a firstdisplay panel and a second panel, the first and second panels positionedsubstantially coplanar with each other and at a distance from each otherto create a three dimensional effect of the images displayed on thefirst and second panels. According to one embodiment of the invention,the second panel includes an image that defines a frame through which animage on the first panel is visible or perceivable. In alternativeembodiments, the second panel may have a cut-out section through whichimages on the first panel can be displayed.

FIG. 1 illustrates a display device 100 having a first panel 102 andsecond panel 104 spaced apart to create a three-dimensional illusionaccording to one embodiment of the invention. The display device 100includes a front panel 102 mounted thereon, and an inner panel 104mounted behind the front panel 102 and visible through the front panel102. According to various embodiments of the invention, the inner panel104 may include scenery or other image(s) to create an aestheticallypleasing view. For example, the scenery or image may be that of anisland, mountain, lake, river, waterfall, desert, and/or animal. Theseimages on the front panel 102 and/or inner panel 104 may be changeable,so that, for example, the scenery or image on the inner panel 104 can bechanged as desired by a user. The images or sceneries on the front panel102 and/or inner panel 104 may be created by using laminates, stickers,painted on the panels, and/or using any other known method. This may beaccomplished through changing an image or scenery laminate or sticker orby replacing one or both or the panels 102 and 104.

According to various embodiments of the invention, the front panel 102may permit viewing part of the inner panel 104 by various means. Forexample, the front panel 102 may be completely or partially transparent,translucent, or have an opening (i.e., cut-out section) through whichthe scenery or image on the inner panel 104 can be perceived.

In one embodiment of the invention, the front panel 102 includes asecond image through which the image on the inner panel 104 is visibleor perceivable. For example, the second image on the front panel 102 maydefine a frame 106 through which the image 204 on the inner panel 104 isvisible. The frame 106 may be in the form of a window, door, pictureframe, etc., so as to create a three-dimensional illusion that theviewer is actually looking at the image 204 on the inner panel 104through said window, door, picture frame, etc.

In various embodiments of the invention, the first and/or second panelsmay be substantially flat and mounted coplanar with each other, or onepanel may be curved and the other one substantially flat, or both panelsmay be curve, or the first panel may be mounted at an angle to thesecond panel.

FIG. 2 illustrates the display device 100 of FIG. 1 with the front panel102 removed. The display device 100 includes a housing 202 that servesto support the inner panel 104 as well as the front panel 102. The innerpanel 104 may be secured to the housing 202 using one or more fasteners.The front panel 102 may also be secured to the housing 202 usingfasteners. The front panel 102 and inner panel 104 are mounted to thehousing 202 substantially coplanar with each other. The front panel 102and inner panel 104 are spaced such that their surfaces are anywherefrom one-eighth (⅛) to twenty (20) inches apart. It is this separationbetween the front panel 102 and inner panel 104 that provides athree-dimensional illusion to viewers looking at the images on the inner104 and front panels 102.

According to various embodiments of the invention, the housing 202,display device 100, and/or front panel 102 may be of various shapes,including oblong, circular, square, triangular, pentagonal, etc.Additionally, the housing and/or perimeter of the front panel 102 may bemade of wood, metal, glass, mirror or other decorative material.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the inner panel 104includes an image, scenery, or graphic 204. The image 204 and/or innerpanel 104 may be translucent to permit some light to go through theimage 204 and/or inner panel 104.

FIG. 3 illustrates various components of the display device 100according to one embodiment of the invention. Behind the inner panel104, the display device 100 houses a number of components that create athree-dimensional effect and/or makes the display device 100 appearanimated. A light source 302 may be mounted with the housing 202 usingbraces 304 or fasteners to secure the light source 302 to the housing202. The light source 302 may be mounted behind the inner panel 104 andserve as a backlight such that, when the light source 302 isilluminated, some of its light is visible through the inner panel 104and the front panel 102. According to one embodiment of the inventionthe light source 302 may be a fluorescent light.

The display device 100 may also include one or more components thatcreate the illusion of motion or movement within the image or scenery ofthe inner panel 104. For the ocean scene illustrated in scene 204, anillusion of water motion may be created according to one embodiment ofthe invention. A partially translucent layer 306 (e.g., film) withlines, as illustrated in FIG. 4, may be placed behind the inner panel104. The translucent layer 306 may be positioned across or over atranslucent moving or rolling display 402 (e.g., film) as illustrated inFIG. 4. The translucent rolling display 402 also includes lines similarto those of the translucent layer 306. As the motor 312 rotates thiscauses the illusion of movement in the ocean image of the inner panel104. The translucent rolling display 402 may be mounted between a firstrolling axis 314 and second rolling axis 316 with the motor 312 coupledto the first axis 314 to cause the rolling display 402 to rotate.According to other embodiments of the invention, a rotating disk orother moving object may be used to create the illusion of movement.

Another feature of the invention provides sounds or music as part of thedisplay device 100. One or more audio speakers 310 and a sound storageunit 308 may be mounted within the housing 202 to provide one or moresounds, music, or words along with the animated (moving) display device100. The display device 100 may also include a volume control 318 tomodulate the volume to a desired level. Another feature provides aremote control device to control the light, sound, and/or motion of thedisplay device 100.

According to one embodiment of the invention the front panel 102includes an outer border that permits the inner panel 104 to be visible.This outer border may include one more lines that create the illusion ofthree-dimensional effects. For example, the features 106 on the frontpanel 102 may be proportionately larger than the image(s) or feature(s)204 in the inner display 104 to cause an illusion of depth.Additionally, the image or lines 106 on the front panel 102, e.g.,windows illustrated FIG. 1, may be drawn with perspective lines or at anangle to enhance the perception of depth created by positioning thefront panel 102 a distance in front of the inner panel 104. For example,the windows in FIG. 1 are opened outwards, towards the scene 204 of thesecond panel 104, to enhance the three-dimensional illusion.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a display device accordingto one embodiment of the invention. One novel aspect of the inventionprovides for mounting the front panel 102 at a distance from the innerpanel 104 to create a three-dimensional illusion or effect. According tovarious embodiments of the invention, the front panel 102 may be mountedanywhere from one-eighth (⅛) inch to twenty (20) inches from the innerdisplay panel 104. Typically, the distance between the front panel 102and inner panel 104 is approximately one-half (½) inch to three-quarters(¾) of an inch.

FIG. 4 also illustrates the relative position of the various componentsof the display device 100. The front panel 102 is positioned in front ofthe inner panel 104 with the translucent layer 306 positioned behind theinner panel 104. The rolling display 402 is positioned behind thetranslucent layer 306 with the light source 302 being positioned behindthe rolling display 402. When illuminated, the light source 302 sendslight across the moving display 402, the translucent layer 306, and thefirst and second panels 102 and 104. Because the moving display 402 isrotating, this causes a moving effect or sensation to be perceived onthe ocean (or other item) in the image of the inner panel 104.

FIG. 4 also illustrates the moving display components of a displaydevice according to one embodiment of the invention. As previouslynoted, a moving display 402 (e.g., film, etc.) is coupled between afirst axis 314 and second axis 316 and configured to rotate when themotor 312 turns. Because of the lines on the moving display 402 and thetranslucent layer 306, an illusion of motion is created on the scene orimage of the inner panel 104 when the moving display 402 is rotated.Note that in other embodiments of the invention, other moving objectsmay be used to create an illusion of movement in an image of the displaydevice.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in theaccompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments aremerely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, andthat this invention not be limited to the specific constructions andarrangements shown and described, since various other modifications arepossible. Those skilled, in the art will appreciate that variousadaptations and modifications of the just described preferred embodimentcan be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of theinvention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope ofthe appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than asspecifically described herein.

1. A display apparatus comprising: a housing structure; a first displaypanel coupled to the housing structure and having a scenery thereon; anda second display panel coupled to the housing structure and mounted infront of the first display panel, the second display panel mountedsubstantially coplanar with the first display panel, the second displaypanel having an image that permits viewing of the scenery on the firstdisplay panel, the first display panel and second display panelpositioned apart from each other at a distance of between one-eighth (⅛)of an inch and twenty (20) inches to create a perception of depth whenviewing the scenery on the first display panel.
 2. The display apparatusof claim 1 further comprising: a light source mounted within the housingstructure, wherein the light source is mounted behind the first displaypanel and the first display panel permitting some light from the lightsource to pass through.
 3. The display apparatus of claim 1 wherein theimage on the second display panel defines a frame through which thescenery on the first display panel can be viewed.
 4. The displayapparatus of claim 1 wherein the image on the second display panelincludes angled features that contribute to a three-dimensional effectwhen overlaid on the scenery of the first display panel.
 5. The displayapparatus of claim 1 wherein the second display panel is spaced betweenhalf an inch and three-quarters of an inch from the first display panel.6. The display apparatus of claim 1 wherein features of the image on thesecond display panel are proportionally larger than features of thescenery of the first display panel to create an illusion of depthbetween the images.
 7. The display apparatus of claim 1 wherein theimage on the second display panel includes two windows partially openedtowards the scenery on the first display panel to create athree-dimensional illusion.
 8. The display apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe scenery of the first display panel is changeable such that it can bereplaced with a second scenery as desired.
 9. The display apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the image of the second display panel is changeable suchthat it can be replaced with a second image as desired.
 10. The displayapparatus of claim 1 further comprising a movable object mounted withinthe housing structure that can be activated to move and create a movingeffect within the scenery of the first display panel.
 11. The displayapparatus of claim 10 further comprising: a sound unit mounted withinthe housing structure for storing pre-recorded sounds; an audio speakermounted within the housing structure and communicatively coupled to thesound unit to receive sound signals from the sound unit and emitcorresponding sounds; and a volume control coupled to the sound unit topermit selecting a desired volume level.
 12. The display apparatus ofclaim 11 further comprising: a remote control to control the lightsource, volume, or movement of the movable object.
 13. A decorativedisplay apparatus comprising: a housing structure; a light sourcemounted within the housing structure; a first display panel coupled tothe housing structure and mounted in front of the light source, thefirst display panel having a first image that permits some light fromthe light source to pass through; and a second display panel coupled tothe housing structure and mounted in front of the first display panel,the second display panel mounted substantially coplanar with the firstdisplay panel, the first display panel and second display panelpositioned apart from each other at a distance of between one-eighth (⅛)of an inch and twenty (20) inches to create a perception of depth whenviewing the first image on the first display panel, the second displaypanel having a second image thereon that allows viewing of the firstimage on the first display panel, the second image including angledperspective lines to enhance the perception of depth of the first image.14. The decorative display apparatus of claim 13 wherein features of thesecond image on the second display panel are proportionally larger thanfeatures of the first image of the first display panel to create anillusion of depth between the images.
 15. The decorative displayapparatus of claim 13 further comprising: a movable object mountedwithin the housing structure that can be activated to move and create amoving effect within the first image of the first display panel.
 16. Thedecorative display apparatus of claim 13 wherein the second displaypanel is spaced between one half inch to three-quarters of an inch fromthe first display panel.
 17. The decorative display apparatus of claim13 further comprising: a sound unit mounted within the housing structurefor storing pre-recorded sounds; an audio speaker mounted within thehousing structure and communicatively coupled to the sound unit toreceive sound signals from the sound unit and emit corresponding sounds;a volume control coupled to the sound unit to permit selecting a desiredvolume level. a remote control to control the light source and soundunit.
 18. A method for creating a three-dimensional effect on a displaypanel, comprising: creating a first image on a first display panel;creating a second image on a second display panel; positioning the firstdisplay panel in front of, and substantially coplanar with, the seconddisplay panel, the first image on the first display panel permittingviewing of the second image on the second display panel, the firstdisplay panel and second display panel positioned apart from each otherat a distance of between one-eighth (⅛) of an inch and twenty (20)inches to create a perception of depth when viewing the second image onthe second display panel; and arranging a moving display apparatusbehind the second display panel; and arranging a light source behind themoving display apparatus to provide light through the first displaypanel and create a moving illusion within the second image.
 19. Themethod of claim 18 wherein the first display panel and second displaypanel are spaced approximately one half inch to three-quarters of aninch apart.
 20. The method of claim 18 wherein the first image andsecond image are replaceable with other images as desired.
 21. Themethod of claim 18 further comprising: scaling the features of the firstimage on the first display panel proportionally larger than features ofthe second image on the second display panel to create an illusion ofdepth between the images.
 22. The method of claim 18 wherein the firstimage includes two windowpanes with lines that enhance the perception ofdepth of the second image, the windowpanes partially opened towards thesecond image on the second display panel to create a three-dimensionalillusion.